24 January, 2026, 10:20 am Central - 29°C Rain

Opening up essential approved businesses was not an easy one but we have to reinvigorate the economy on one hand while battle to contain the pandemic on the other - PM

Opening up essential approved businesses was not an easy one but we have to reinvigorate the economy on one hand while battle to contain the pandemic on the other - PM

By Vijay Narayan
04/06/2021
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama. [Image: Parliament of Fiji]

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says the decision made by the government to open up essential approved businesses was not an easy one but they have to reinvigorate the economy on one hand while battle to contain the pandemic on the other.

While speaking in Parliament, Bainimarama says this is a fine intricate balance that they simply cannot mess up.

He says all Members of Parliament will agree with him that the only way businesses can mitigate the current economic downturn brought about by the pandemic is to return to some form of normalcy as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister says we need to regenerate economic activity and get our economy back on track.

Bainimarama says we cannot sit back, stay down or close for too long as it is just not feasible.

The Prime Minister says the only way to do this is to open up businesses and ensure they abide by the strict health protocols in place.

Bainimarama says they understand that if businesses are adamant about reopening, they will do everything within their powers to adhere to the guidelines.

He also says opening up essential businesses ensures that those who are unemployed due to restrictions, return to work and earn income to support their families.

The Prime Minister says this is expected to have a domino effect on our economy as the businesses will directly contribute to rejuvenating our economy.

FEATURE NEWS
Joint team to meet landowners on Tuesday after threat to shut down Labasa water catchment - WAF
A joint team from Water Authority of Fiji, the iTaukei Land Trust Board, and the Department of Lands will meet directly with the landowners next Tuesd...
35 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
India confident partnership with Fiji will continue to flourish
India is confident that their partnership with Fiji will continue to flourish as India’s expertise in renewable energy, digital technologies, and ...
5 minutes ago

People turn up in numbers for Australia Day Vuvale Bootcamp at Albert Park
People turned up in numbers for the Australia Day Vuvale Bootcamp and Sports Clinic at Albert Park this morning.The day started off with some warm ...
6 minutes ago

Prof. Shameem accuses USP of defending political opinion as academic view
University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says the University of the South Pacific has been hoaxed into defending a political ...
21 minutes ago

Joint team to meet landowners on Tuesday after threat to shut down Labasa water catchment - WAF
A joint team from Water Authority of Fiji, the iTaukei Land Trust Board, and the Department of Lands will meet directly with the landowners next ...
35 minutes ago

Tacirua East residents raise robbery concerns after 6 homes hit in 2 days while Police say 2 burglary reports received
Concerns are being raised by Tacirua East residents after six homes were broken into in the last two days while Police say they can confirm 2 ...
36 minutes ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant
Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji’s representative to next month's Miss ...
2 days ago

Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy - Dialogue Fiji
The National Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy by criminalising political expression, enabling state overreach and excluding young people ...
4 days ago

Shocking move : FNU reassigned under PM
The Fiji National University is being reassigned under the Prime Minister's Office Ministerial Portfolio via the Ministry of Strategic Planning, ...
4 days ago

TOP